Ann Dermatol.  2010 May;22(2):199-202. 10.5021/ad.2010.22.2.199.

A Case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Initially Presented with Disseminated Herpes Zoster

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju, Korea. derm75@chosun.ac.kr

Abstract

Herpes zoster is characterized by unilateral grouped vesicles along the distribution of a single dermatome. Disseminated herpes zoster usually is defined as a generalized eruption of more than 20 extra-dermatomal vesicles occurring within a week of the onset of classic dermatomal herpes zoster. It occurs chiefly in old or debilitated individuals, and especially in patients with underlying malignancy, immunosuppressive therapy, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. A 51-year-old man presented with segmental grouped vesicles on the left upper trunk and arm, and a varicella-like eruption over the entire body. Tzanck smear preparation and punch biopsy done on the vesicles of the trunk indicated a herpetic infection. Later, he was found to be HIV-positive. We report a rare case of HIV infection initially presenting with disseminated herpes zoster.

Keyword

Disseminated herpes zoster; Extradermatomal; HIV infection

MeSH Terms

Arm
Biopsy
Herpes Zoster
HIV
HIV Infections
Humans
Middle Aged

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Grouped vesicles with hemorrhagic crusts on the side of trunk and upper arm and multiple scattering erythematous vesicular rashes on the whole body.

  • Fig. 2 (A) Tzanck smear preparation showing multinuclear giant cells (Giemsa stain, ×200). (B) Skin biopsy of a vesicular lesion on abdomen revealed intraepidermal vesicle with acantholysis and balloon cells (H&E stain, ×200).

  • Fig. 3 The HIV-seropositivity of our patient (# 17, arrow) was confirmed by a western blot analysis.


Cited by  2 articles

Frequency of Herpes Zoster Recurrence in Central District of Korea
Jae Won Ha, Jin Yong Lee, Young Her, Chul Woo Kim, Sang Seok Kim
Ann Dermatol. 2017;29(5):602-607.    doi: 10.5021/ad.2017.29.5.602.

Skin Disease in Korean Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patient
Hye Jung Jung, Ji Young Ahn, Dong Hyek Jang, Jae In Lee, Joo Yoon Bae, Mi Youn Park
Ann Dermatol. 2019;31(6):640-644.    doi: 10.5021/ad.2019.31.6.640.


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